Nantes vs Montpellier
Ligue 1
Sunday
22nd October 2023
La Beaujoire-Louis-Fonteneau
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Ligue 1 gameweek 9 fixture between Nantes and Montpellier.
Nantes vs Montpellier: Preview
Nantes form analysis
Les Canaris’ recent Ligue 1 matches have shown a capable attacking team but one prone to defensive vulnerabilities. They started this run by drawing 1-1 at home with Marseille, with Mohamed’s goal earning a point. A hard fought 0-1 away win at Clermont followed thanks to Moses Simon’s strike. Nantes then prevailed in a seven-goal thriller at home against Lorient, winning 5-3 with goals from Mohamed, Mollet and Simon’s late penalty. However, defensive issues resurfaced in a 1-3 loss away at local rivals Rennes. Most recently, Nantes grinded out a 1-2 away win at Strasbourg courtesy of goals from Coco and Moutoussamy.
Overall, Nantes have shown they can trouble opponents with Moses Simon impressing but their defending remains inconsistent under coach Pierre Aristouy. Thrillers against Lorient and Rennes exposed fragility at the back even as the attack flourished. If Aristouy can remedy these defensive weaknesses, Nantes have the offensive talent in the likes of Mohamed and Simon to aim for a top half finish again this season.
Montpellier form analysis
Montpellier’s recent Ligue 1 matches have shown a capable, well-organized team but one that lacks cutting edge in attack. They started this run with a narrow 0-1 loss away at Lille after conceding early on. Montpellier responded well by twice leading away at Strasbourg before settling for a 2-2 draw. They maintained their solidity by earning a 0-0 home draw against Rennes next up. However, scoring goals remained an issue as they lost 0-3 away at struggling Lorient, with Adams netting twice.
Overall, Montpellier have been typically well-drilled under coach Michel Der Zakarian, keeping 3 clean sheets in this spell. But they have lacked attacking spark, scoring just twice. If Dall’Oglio can get strikers Wahi and Nordin firing, they could push up the table. But their lack of productivity in the final third has made progress difficult.
